Touch Factor Massage and Bodywork By Joe Lavin

I’m the pickiest of pickiest when it comes to finding a massage therapist. Having grown up in SE Asia, I was fortunate to receive all kinds of massages growing up. Joe is the real deal.
I think that his open communication is what can really help you receive the best massage for YOU. I feel comfortable telling him what kind of pressure I enjoy, what parts of my body need work or when something doesn’t feel good.
I have several injuries that I need to be careful with and he is always great at working around them. I also love that he is willing to answer any questions I have on how to prevent tightness and injuries.
The lemon water, the option to shower after and his ability to make the room/​bed temperature exaaaactly how you want it — are all awesome bonuses.
I’ll be back for sure!

Joe is great. When selecting somebody for massage therapy you want somebody knowledgable but more importantly somebody who makes you feel comfortable and at ease. Joe accomplishes all of these things. A true professional you can really tell Joe loves what he does and it shows in his amazing work. I can’t recommend him enough.

What an amazing experience. It’s really an experience not just a massage. Joe gives it his all. He creates a very comfortable, relaxing and warm environment. Best massage I’ve ever had. I’m a very loyal customer now.

BEST MASSAGE I’VE RECEIVED IN SEATTLE:
As a deep tissue sports therapist myself, I am probably the most finicky client a therapist can get on their bed. I get regular massage (usually 3 to 4 monthly). Most massages I receive run from «good» and then work their way down to «ridiculous.» But to say Joe’s massage was great just doesn’t seem adequate. Joe is better than great. He delivered a deep pressure that was absolutely perfect. There is absolute no doubt, none whatsoever, that I will be booking more regular massages with Joe. Nothing short of amazing.

Clearly Joe is one of the most experienced, talented massage therapists out there. If you have unique situations like I do, (joint replacement, neck fusion) don’t take the chance of being injured by an inexperienced therapist. Joe knows what he is doing, and takes the time to explain everything he does. And I love the ‘massage sippy cup’ at the end, when you are a bowl of jello and are not coordinated enough to hold a glass to your lips! I’ll be back, Joe!

First time in years that I went to bed without neck pain. Thank you Joe.
All that after just one massage. I look forward to our next session.

Joe understands and relates deeply to the structures he explores in his treatment. He is so into it. I see that in his workshops and in the one massage session I could schedule – so far.
In my time on his table, I could feel a creative spirit which allowed me – body and soul – to open up. The rigidity that has crept into me softened. I felt the flood of energy and blood reaching into tissue that has been progressively tightening,
That tightening threatens a person’s freedom in every way.
It seems Joe knows this, and is ecstatic that he can do the good that he does.
That’s how it appears, that’s what comes through him.
He rearranged his space to accommodate me, and wasted no time finding a way into the tangle of my neck and back. He fine tuned his movement to my breathing and tension level, checking verbally at times, and had no problem with my very definite minute to minute wishes. But really it wasn’t necessary to say much – he is fully present – anticipating and reading what the body is saying. This massage is a conversation – not a passive reception of energy.
Along with the intensity of the work my body demands, there was an element of emotional kindness and reassurance in his hands.
It’s an important component for a therapist to keep in the work, and it often gets lost.
Anyway, Joe knows the territory, has the skill, and is free to be spontaneous. Such
a relief.
When I left, I knew I had to find a quiet place to stay with the energy in my renewed, flowing system, and let the pulse go deeper. It happened so easily.
His work is powerful.
It’s a surprising gift to find
TC

Great massage. Deep tissue. Friendly, laid back, knowledgeable, makes you feel very comfortable. Late night appointments available. Coming back for sure.

I found Joe on Unilocal when I was frantically searching for someone to help with my stiff neck. Joe was responsive and accommodating with his schedule — got me in at 8:00pm on a Saturday! The massage was fabulous and I left feeling so much better and in a lot less pain. Joe took the time to suggest stretches and tools that I could use everyday to try to prevent issues in the future. A very kind and compassionate therapist and I would highly recommend!

A friend recommended Joe to me, and he did a great job start to finish. He is an excellent communicator, and was very thorough in determining what I did and did not like in massage therapy. He really put into practice everything I asked for in terms of room and bed setup, lighting, massage style and pressure, etc. He was also great about checking in throughout the massage to make sure I was getting what I needed, but not so much that it felt intrusive,
The massage itself was outstanding. His style lets him go over problem areas a few times in succession, each time helping them release a little more. He also has the strength and know-​how to provide really deep, targeted pressure without it being painful or «poke-​y», which is something I really appreciated. I felt the benefits of his work for days after, and I’ll definitely be back for more.

I’ve received a «Deep Lomi Ultra Relaxation» massage from Joe, and last weekend I attended his «Deep Lomi 101» massage CE class. 5 stars to both! The work is deeply relaxing and feels fantastic to receive. I love the way Joe opens his heart and mind — I enjoy him. In the classroom Joe is both enthusiastic and relaxed, available yet never invasive.
I am a massage therapist who has practiced lomilomi for 18 years, and taught lomilomi for the past 8 years. It’s my life path. I don’t personally experience the work Joe practices and teaches as lomilomi, but I do experience it as wonderful work. I’m looking forward to learning more from him. I highly respect Joe.
Thank you, Joe.

I found Joe Lavin’s CE massage classes through one of the CE massage websites for Seattle. I was looking for a Lomi Lomi based or Thai class to take. Joe’s website,
, where he talks about the why and how of his craft, his approach and philosophy, and his background, and which includes an easy to navigate listing of a variety of CE classes, hooked me. It was simple to sign up for a class, communication was swift and I was able to try out a Deep Lomi session with him before class, as I had never experienced Lomi Lomi, let alone his blended style.
The 90 minute massage was great. I have had many massages, and a lot of very good ones, but Joe was the most engaged and present massage therapist I have ever received a massage from – plus, he has outstanding skills with the clinical knowledge and intuition to back it up. The other massage therapist whose work I’ve experienced that I would say is also that engaged is Jack Gilyard, but you’d have to go to Cashmere, WA to work with him.
As for the class I took, Deep Lomi Massage Mastery 101, Embracing the Flow – it was stellar. Joe has a down to earth, informed, hands-​on teaching style that I appreciate. I like to be able to mirror new techniques when I am learning them and have a chance to try them out before moving on to another one. Joe’s style allows and encourages this. He migrates around to each table to give suggestions to the people working, answer questions and gets right in and shows the techniques again individually, offers different approaches to techniques and sometimes uses the hands on top of hands demonstration as a guide, which I find helpful. He encourages people to switch partners throughout the course but doesn’t overly enforce this either – participants are all respected as adults and equals, which is not always the case in a teaching environment. In addition, his easy going, approachable manner made the class fun and made for good camaraderie all around, a nice way to spend a Saturday. I look forward to taking more classes from Joe Lavin and highly recommend him as a continuing education provider for massage. Check out his Awesome Sauce Series of shorter (4 hour) workshops as well, also reasonably priced.

I was desperately needing some down time + relaxation before my family was set to come in town for the holidays! Joe helped me do just that! The room was dark and smelled like sleep. He communicated just enough and was quiet enough for me to check out and just enjoy the entire experience. Lovely time!

I just received a much needed and overdo massage from Joe and I must say it was absolutely amazing! His technique is so spot on providing a relaxing but therapeutic approach to my muscular pain. There was never a moment when I thought «I hope he works on that one spot». He just knew all of the spots to pay special attention to while always checking in to make sure it wasn’t too much or too little. He also provided me with techniques to do at home to help relieve some of my neck pain. It was truly the best massage I have ever received!

I have been to a number of massages and I have to say this was probably the best I’ve physically felt after the massage. Not just because of the massage but a step beyond that — Joe is so great at asking for my feedback and making sure I’m comfortable in the space and with the pressure. I can be shy at asking for what I want so having his reassurance and just all the extra details put into place to make me feel accommodated really helped to make me feel safe in the space. Not to mention, his gentle energy lends itself to your practice so well. That is really important to me and I haven’t felt that comfortable on a first massage visit ever.
My shoulder was really killing me and this massage didn’t disappoint in relieving the pain. I desperately needed that. He also fit me in last minute when I had only a tiny time range to work with (I had a sitter for my two young ones but only for a few hours that day). The surprising part is that I came for my shoulder but he really told me to pay special attention to my hips! He gave me a lot of great practical advice on body mechanics and stretching while I work that showed he was really knowledgeable. He also followed up with me on those suggestions via email! So great. What I really liked most though was that he is also very compassionate and understanding when he listens and offers words to help you. I am pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this experience given it was out of someone’s home! Really impressive.
I’ll be coming back!

Joe is truly an awesome massage therapist. He’s wonderful at communicating– listening and getting info and feedback from you, in order to personalize your session to fit your needs and preferences. He’s very approachable, respectful, kind, and non-​intimidating. His bodywork is very intentional and focused, and also super relaxing and therapeutic. I felt so much more at ease and happy in my body after the session. From start to finish, you feel very listened to and important– Which you are!
I’m a massage therapist myself, and I very confidently recommend him. One of the best massage therapists I’ve had the pleasure to work with (and by «work» I mean receiving bodywork– which is extremely beneficial and enjoyable work!). Don’t be afraid, and don’t think about it too much– Just sign up for a session with Joe, and see what positive changes good bodywork can do for you!

Amazing!
Being a chef, my work is very physical, so I need to realign by getting frequent massages. I usually get massages from spas or larger massage companies. Yet, I usually leave feeling like it could have been better or that the massage was good but not incredible. So, I have been on the hunt for the perfect massage from a therapist who truly knows how to intuitively and attentively work.
Joe is all that and then some. His massage technique is unique and pushes the conventional massage house style. For example, he tailors the massage to what is needed so he spent a lot of time working around my arm pit and shoulder blade. I have always wanted a therapist to be able to release that tension and dig around in that area – and he is the only one that had the intuition to find that «troubled» spot.
His knowledge about massage and body work is unprecedented and I highly recommend his work!

Desperately in need of some healing touch in a time of crisis, I found Joe through Unilocal.His website immediately drew me in, when I saw how much he’d put into ensuring that clients get the most individualized experience possible. I emailed him and he got me in the same day.
From the moment I arrived, Joe went out of his way to ensure I was comfortable. He only does a limited number of massages each day so that he can take his time with clients. We sat and talked about what I wanted out of the massage, what type of massage I enjoy, etc. I decided to try Lomi massage for the first time. He showed me a diagram of different kinds of draping and let me pick what I was most comfortable with (I again chose Lomi style and am very glad I did).
Joe let me personalize my experience, from the temperature of the room to the areas of the body he worked on. I didn’t find myself needing to tell him much, however, as he seemed to intuit exactly what I needed.
I’ve had so many massages at chains and large studios where I found myself disappointed by the pressure (even after requesting more), or by the short length of the strokes, or by the way only one part of the body is massaged at a time, or by feeling like I need to get off the bed and get out so the next person can file in… Joe does NOT give that kind of massage. He massages the body in a way that respects how everything is connected. I’d describe his technique as «integrated.» And you can take your time afterward! He even has a guest bathroom with a shower for you to use afterward if you want to.
I’ve spent almost 3 years in Seattle trying to find a masseuse to see regularly, and I’ve found him! Thanks, Joe!

A truly unique experience!
As a massage therapist and spa lover, I’m picky. I really appreciated Joe’s approach to bodywork. He epitomizes hospitality with a well-​crafted experience from the intake to the super comfortable table and heated room to the added bonus of a shower after the session.
He has the three key skills that make for a good therapist: solid technique, active listening and kindness. Highly recommend!

This is the kind of five star review that makes me wish there was a bonus star to give.
The space is beautiful, relaxing, and perfectly appointed with everything you’d need to feel completely comfortable including showering after your massage if you’d like to. Warm towels, lush robes, ice water w/​lemon, even little snacks to revive you after your journey into a blessed state of relaxation.
Joe starts out easy, always checking in to see if the pressure is right, and is great about any feedback you have. For me, what’s even better, should you want to just rest and enjoy in silence, he doesn’t feel the need to fill the space with talking, allowing you to get into the flow happening as your body is worked into a state of bliss.
I have been a few times and can’t imagine going elsewhere now.
I almost don’t want to review, this is one of those places so good I don’t want to let people in on it lest it get too busy and I can’t get in to see him often enough.
But I did, because it’s too good not to share, a little I guess :)